Maize Agriculture Evolution in the Eastern Woodlands of North America: A Darwinian Perspective

Author: Hart J.P.

Source: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, Volume 06, Number 2, June 1999 , pp. 137-180(44)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

David Rindos' coevolution theory remains the most comprehensive application of Darwinian theory to issues of prehistoric agriculture evolution. While his theory has drawn attention, there has been a lack of subsequent development of the application of Darwinian theory to prehistoric agricultural evolution. Combining Sewall Wright's shifting balance theory of evolution with aspects of Rindos' coevolution theory provides important new insights into the processes of crop transmission between regions. Using these theories, a model is developed for the adoption and subsequent evolution of maize agriculture in the Eastern Woodlands of North America.

Keywords: maize agriculture; evolution; shifting balance theory; Eastern Woodlands

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Anthropological Survey, New York State Museum, 3122 Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York 12230. jhart@mail.nysed.gov

Publication date: 1999-06-01